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Basic Snowshoeing Field Trip

Field trip: Basic Snowshoeing Course

Basic Snowshoeing Field Trip - Commonwealth Basin

Field trip for the Foothills Basic Snowshoeing Course. Completion of one field trip is required for graduation from the course.

Contacts

Steve LeBrun
Steve LeBrun
Primary Leader
  • Moderate
  • Easy
  • Mileage: 5.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 700 ft

Meet at Snoqualmie Summit, off exit 52.  Details to be provided.  Individuals who wish to carpool may meet at the Issaquah Transit Center parking garage, I-90 exit 15.

In this field session you will learn and practice the basics: balance, maneuvering on snowshoes, going up hill, side-hill and handling downhills.

Route/Place

Commonwealth Basin


  • Green Trails Snoqualmie Pass Gateway No. 207S
    Green Trails Snoqualmie Pass No. 207
    USGS Snoqualmie Pass
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

A limited number of MSR snowshoes will be available for students to rent. If you're interested in this option, please contact the leader for more information.

For  the  field  trip,  and on regular trips, you  must  bring  your Clothing & Equipment and  Ten Essentials.

TEN ESSENTIALS

Map (provided to you), compass, sunglasses and sunscreen, extra clothing, emergency shelter, headlamp/flashlight, first-aid supplies, fire starter, matches, knife, extra food and water. Sun protection is a must. Snow reflection is highly damaging to eyes; UV damage and sunburns are common if proper protection is not used.

CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT

  • Winter boots (insulated)
  • Gaiters
  • Snowshoes
  • Backpack (large enough for all winter gear)
  • Ski / trekking poles with snow baskets
  • Clothing layers (adjustable to your activity level and the weather - No cotton)
    • Base layer: Wicking liner socks, glove liners, synthetic or wool long underwear that wicks away moisture, insulates well and dries quickly. Lightweight or midweight versions are available; pick a thickness based on the temperature and your activity level. A zippered top lets you adjust body heat as you stop and go.
    • Insulating layer: Wool socks, synthetic soft-shell pants, Polartec® or Primaloft® polyester mid-layer jackets. "Active Insulation" clothing makes a good mid-layer since it retains heat when wet and breathes as you exercise.
    • Outer layer: A waterproof, breathable shell jacket and pants that keep you dry and fend off wind.
  • Hats, Gloves and Accessories (to prevent loss of body heat/protect from sunburn)
    • A wool or synthetic hat, headband or balaclava retains heat; a wide-brimmed hat or a ball cap can shade your eyes on sunny days or keep snow out of your eyes.
    • Waterproof ski gloves or mittens are a must to keep your hands dry and warm. On cold days, combine shells with fleece mittens or gloves. In milder conditions, glove liners may be all you need.
    • A scarf or neck gaiter is a must especially on windy days, or if you tend to get cold easily.

Additional  Recommended  Equipment:  

  • Foam sit pad
  • Hand and toe warmers
  • Pack cover
  • Toilet paper, sealable plastic bags, and hand sanitizer
  • Dry clothes and shoes in your car for the trip home
  • Garbage bags in your car for wet gear
  • Camera and extra batteries, if desired
Trip Reports